DA visits Duvha Park illegal mining site

The Democratic Alliance (DA) responded to the appeals from the community in Duvha Park (Ward 19) with a delegation of senior party officials paying a visit to the illegal mining area to see, for themselves, the extent of the problems and to hear from representatives of the community about their experiences.

The delegation consisted of Mr James Lorimer MP, DA Shadow Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy as well as Ms Annerie Weber, DA spokesperson on the environment.

The delegation was joined by the DA Emalahleni PR Councillor for Ward 19 Cllr Marcus Madau and DA Emalahleni Chairperson Mr Clive Hatch.

The delegation met with an independent mining engineer who explained the history, current situation, and the proposed rehabilitation plans for the site and answered their questions. They got to see first-hand what was happening in the pit, the smoke and mining activities. There are still people mining there, as well as the machines that were supposedly removed by the court order obtained by Thungela.

After the visit, Ms Weber outlined that she and Mr Lorimer will take the situation up with the various ministers. The burning and air pollution are very serious and must be dealt with immediately. This environmental pollution has a detrimental effect on the environment, animals and humans.

They would be visiting the area again in the future to report back and obtain further information.

Cllr Madau announced that he would be launching a petition calling on the Municipal Department to monitor and enforce all municipal by-laws in the area, as well as ensuring that heavy motor vehicles are prohibited from using the residential roads for the transporting of heavy loads.

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